Member Avatar for wmc1956

I am trying to burn some files to a DVD but when I put it in the drive it says "Device not ready (medium not present) The drive is an HP DVD Writer 640b and I'm using memorex DVD+R 16x 4.7 GB/Go 120 min. Am I using the wrong kind of media or is the drive faulty? Thanks for your help!

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Dani AI

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A short diagnostic summary: the Windows notice "Device not ready (medium not present)" means the drive is powered but cannot detect a disc. Given 's reminder about a prior CD problem and 's suggestion to try a burned disc, the likely causes are (a) media/format incompatibility or unfinalized burns, (b) a dirty or weak laser, or (c) failing drive electronics or connections.

Recommended checks, in order of cost and effort:

  1. Try a commercial pressed DVD (movie or store-bought software). If that is recognized the drive hardware and laser are basically working.
  2. Try the same burned/blank discs in a second PC or an external USB drive to confirm whether the discs themselves are readable.
  3. Test a different brand and format (try both DVD-R and DVD+R if available) — some drives and burns can be picky about media quality or finalized status. Burn at a lower speed if creating new discs.
  4. Check the system: confirm the drive is seen in BIOS/UEFI; in Windows check Device Manager -> DVD/CD-ROM drives (uninstall the device and scan for hardware changes). On older Windows installs, filter drivers in the registry can sometimes block recognition.

Maintenance and next steps: use a purpose-made lens cleaner or a burst of canned air (short bursts) to remove dust; avoid opening the drive. If a firmware update exists for the exact HP model, installing it can improve media compatibility. If the drive fails to read pressed DVDs or vanishes from BIOS, that points to hardware failure — replacing the drive (or using an inexpensive external USB DVD writer for a laptop) is the practical next step. This sequence follows 's suggestion to test burned media first and expands on 's note about prior CD issues to help distinguish media problems from a failing drive.

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Member Avatar for gerbil

Is this the same drive that a week ago you reported would not recognise cds?
A lot of suggestions were posted there, but you did not bother replying to the thread.

Member Avatar for flagstar

asking again...

Try inserting a burned dvd inside and check whether it can still detect it or not. If not, better consider replacing your dvd drive although this should be the last choice...

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